Nairobi - Kenya / Mombasa - Kenya / ArushaTanzania / The Headquarters / Incentives and conferences
Nairobi - Kenya Nairobi, Kenya's capital city is the first port of call for many of the country's visitors. With Somak's Kenya origins, our local knowledge is unrivalled, and we are best placed to provide our clients with their ideal holiday. Safaris cover the full range of Kenya's most famous national parks and game reserves in combinations that meet the requirements of most visitors. However, for those who require something a little bit different, be it walking tour or camel trek, a camping safari, flying safari or trekking route, our wealth of local knowledge and infrastructure can assist in putting together the perfect tailor-made itinerary.
The gateway to the Kenya coast, Mombasa is East Africa's leading port and the home of Somak Safaris' coastal operation, serving beach resorts from Lamu to Zanzibar. Somak's offices in the city make all arrangements for incoming visitors on beach vacations, and with a high number of charter aircraft serving Mombasa and cruise ships using the city's port facilities, their role is an important one. Somak Mombasa provides transfer and representation services for incoming tour operators using the large range of beach hotels, in additional to organising excursions to many of the areas most popular sites, including a number of game reserves close by. Kenya's beautiful coastline is world famous, and acts as the perfect complement to the rigours and exhilaration of safari days. The series of palm-fringed beaches that stretch the length of the coast are of picture-postcard quality, and the range of accommodation suits all tastes.
Arusha Tanzania, is thought by many to be the ultimate safari destination. Somak's Tanzania company, Warner Safaris Limited located in Arusha in northern Tanzania, stretches the Group's established expertise in operating safaris in Kenya across the border, enabling visitors to experience this unspoilt land with the back-up of Somak's knowledge and experience. Warner's Arusha Headquarters is ideally placed for access to the country's highlights in the heart of Tanzania's safari circuit, which include world famous locations such as the Serengeti plain, the Ngorongoro Crater and Mount Kilimanjaro. Tanzania's safari circuits can easily be included with a visit to Kenya, with easy access to Arusha either from Nairobi (via Namanga) or Mombasa (via Taveta), or directly into Kilimanjaro International Airport.
Somak's new East African Headquarter is the latest office development in the Kenyan capital, and represents a landmark for both Somak and tourism in Kenya.
Somak House is located on Mombasa Road, the main road to Nairobi's International Airport, where many of our clients start or complete their Kenyan (and indeed, Tanzania) adventures. The complex houses the administration for Somak's entire safari operation, and incorporates workshop facilities for safari vehicle maintenance and accommodation for drivers and guides. All Somak products, including safaris, excursions and accommodation, are on sale and international travel arrangements can also be made. Part of this delightful new complex includes a unique and luxurious "Safari Lounge" and developed, as a direct response to Somak's clients needs. It is available to all Somak clients passing through Nairobi with time to spare.
The Lounge, the first and only of its kind in Kenya, offers a relaxation and recuperation for travellers coming off safari, before undertaking their onward journey. Refreshments and showers are provided for Somak clients. Somak is the only Destination Management Company to offer this facility to its customers - its all part of the Somak Karibuni !
The international incentive and conference market is of an increasing importance in Kenya and Somak has become one of the leading players. With dedicated conference venues in major centres and our expertise in the management of large groups, it is an area that we are positive will continue to grow. Venues include exotic bush and beach as well as city facilities. Mount Kenya Safari Club is one such well appointed location. Somak's expertise includes the handling of Cruise Ships docking in Mombasa.
For over 30 years Somak has made a total commitment to tourism in East Africa."That Somak Touch" is all about attention and service to our customers
Nairobi operations
Somak receives guests from all over the world. The key question is, how are they handled ? Of course any well-run and highly organised team requires a structure. So it is here in Nairobi - the hub of Somak's global operations - where everything is co-ordinated and we are multi-lingual. It all begins with your enquiry. Either it arrives directly or via one of Somak's 7 principal associate offices. Somak boast a 24 hour turnaround time on quotations. Under the oversight of Chairman & Founder Suresh Sofat and head of operations Joash Olum, who 'know East Africa like the back of their hands'. Somak's team processes your enquiry. "That personal touch" is applied to requested destination, preferred hotel and in the case of safaris, routing and lodge preferences. Quotation reflect not only the intimate expertise that has come to be expected of Somak, but also 'genuine value for money'/ Response is swift and once confirmed arrangements are set in place. Our buying power is reflected in quotes, large and small.
Our own workshop
Our fleet of over 100 microbuses, backed up by 4 wheel-drive Landcruisers, offer unrivalled access and flexibility to all parts of Kenya. To ensure the utmost reliability for our road transport, we long ago found it beneficial to have our own workshops. Our new workshop can cope with the gruelling demands of our fleet on safari. Facilities here at Somak House include, servicing bays for routine maintenance, body shop for the on-going specialised fitting out of new (replacement) vehicles, repair shop and major mechanical service department. Our chief mechanic has even been directly trained in Japan by Nissan. Somak are their largest fleet owner. It is from the Transport Office here (manned 24 hours a day), that our fleet is co-ordinated via HF radio - fitted to 80% of our vehicles. We are thus equipped to meet the day-to-day challenges of a major Kenya's 'ground handler'. No other company has such resources. From our 30 years experience, we have found nothing beats having our very own support team.
Information Technology
We live in an age of ever-changing technology. Somak operate at the cutting edge of information technology in the tour operation market by having our own in-house team of programmers, based here at our Nairobi headquarters. They continue to develop not only the Groups software, but also programmes tailor made to the needs of each operator and quotations to incoming tour operators - available 24 hours a day - essential to today's global environment. We are the first to recognise that not all visitors are the same, and it is perhaps, our ability to offer clients exactly what they want that sets us apart from other ground operators.
'A warm welcome', We were made to feel like you have just returned home to see old friends - is how some customers describe our welcome on arrival. For most it has been a long-haul flight, and what could be more important now than a little tender loving care ? So how do Somak go about it ?
Airport - Meet and Greet
With our staff of over 175 experienced professional, your clients are in safe hands, even down to having emergency contacts. That's why so many large tour operators entrust their ground handling to us. We specialise in representing you, right down to labelling and presentation in your very own house style. In fact "that personal touch" carries right through from the moment your client lands. Our staff are on hand to meet and greet, then brief new arrivals before they head either to their city hotel for rest. or depart straight off into the bush.
Hotel Briefing
There is a great deal of sense, in the maxim 'start off the way you intend to finish'. Your clients also feel that "personal touch" in their hotel briefing. Aimed chiefly at orientating visitors and making them feel welcome, thousands of miles from home, our friendly, helpful staff will put even the most reticent at ease!
Safari Captains Briefing
Prior to boarding our luxury microbuses, your clients will receive a full 'safety briefing' providing orientation and safety direction that is invaluable for a satisfying and enjoyable safari. Our safety instruction sheet is published in the 10 most popular languages of our guests. For Somak it really is a case of 'safety first'.
Somak Safari Lounge
Specifically designed to meet the needs of our clients, this unique and luxurious "Safari Lounge", was developed as a direct response, and is available to all Somak clients passing through Nairobi with time to spare. The Lounge, the first and only of its kind in East Africa, offers relaxation and recuperation for travellers coming off safari, before undertaking their onward journey. Facilities include showers, toilets and an air-conditioned lounge in which to relax and enjoy refreshments. These unique facilities are provided for all Somak clients. Somak is the only Destination Management Company to offer this facility to its customers.
Safari by Air
A good option for those with limited time or those who want to maximise their game viewing options. Distances in Kenya can be long and flying can be a quick and convenient way to hope between the prime game viewing areas. On some safaris part of the itinerary is by air, which reduces the travelling time between parks. Flights are in the light aircraft, which utilise airstrips. Baggage allowance is 15 kgs per person. The lodge or camp will provide transfers and game-drives.
On air via balloon
Early morning balloon rides over the Masai Mara/Taita Hills provide a wonderful perspective on the wilderness areas. After landing, the crew sets up a champagne breakfast. Ballooning can be arranged in the Masai Mara and the Taita Hills (and the Serengeti in Tanzania). This exhilarating experience commences at dawn with approximately one hour in the air, followed by a bush breakfast complete with sparkling wine. You depart your lodge before sunrise and take off as the sun rises. The direction and duration of the balloon trip is dependant on the prevailing weather conditions. Optional balloon trips take the place of the morning game drive. Please note that ballooning is subject to weather conditions. On certain safaris we offer 2 for 1 ballooning for honeymoon couples. Children under the age of 12 are not permitted and height restrictions apply.
The Camel ride
The 'ship of the desert' offers a great vantage point for viewing nature. The arrangement, usually through north and central Kenya, is accompanied by a Samburu warrior guide. Support vehicle carries luggage, tents and supplies. Camel safaris also through the arid plains of Tsavo East National Park.
Walk for your health
Some Game Reserves and National Parks also offer the opportunity of walking safaris, which are a very exciting experience. These safaris are usually accompanied by an armed guide. For walkers and treks there are some stunning trails, particularly in the rugged country of the central, western and north-western regions. For the most ambitious trekker and climber Mount Kenya also Mount Elgon and the Aberdares.
Birdwatching
Kenya boasts approximately 1300 different species of birds, more than any other single country on the African continent. The Rift Valley in particular supports large population of birds including raptors such as the fish eagle. The alkaline lakes support populations of flamingos and pelicans. Varied topography from woodland to desert, grassland to mountains, accounts for the incredible variety of species to be seen. From December to March the migrants from Europe arrive.
Horse Riding Safaris
Can be enjoyed in hills and plains of Masai Mara. Nights spent under canvas. This traditional style of safari is growing in popularity.
Golfing in Kenya
Kenya with 35 courses - in the most diversified of terrain offers Golfers some of the most challenging games they are every likely to play. Courses in Kenya re outstandingly picturesque, uncluttered almost all of the time (other than weekends) and fun to play. It rarely gets too hot up country and cheerful experienced caddies make your game a pleasure. Ten of Kenya's Golf Course are 18 hole, nine of these have been regularly used for championship events. Each course has its own distinctive flavour and setting - from the most basic - 'bush course' where the 'greens' give way to 'browns' through to many a lush and lavish championship course. Courses may be right on the equator, on the exhilarating slopes of Mt. Kenya, or besides the Indian Ocean, Mombasa with an 'ocean-side hole' that demands a long drive over an inlet. Half of them are above 5,000 feet - where the ball goes so much farther, many have sophisticated fairway watering systems; others offer a 'dry season challenge' that is all its own.
Sitting on the highlands of Kenya, the Windsor - Kenya's premier 18 hole Course commands a spectacular panorama of Mt. Kenya and the rugged Aberdare Range, yet is only a 30 minute drive (17 kms) north of the City.
Mountaineering
Mountaineering is a fast growing adventure among the young and old alike. Most commonly tackled are Mount Kenya and Mount Kilimanjaro. Somak can organise excursions of varying duration to these two points and any mountain of client's choice.
Whitewater Rafting
Day trips and trips of longer duration (nights under canvas) are available on the Tana, Athi and Muthoya North Rivers.
Gliding, Paragliding and Hand-gliding
Powerful thermals above the rift valley, provide perfect conditions for hang-gliders and gliders. Paragliding is available at coastal resorts .
Diving
The warm tropical seas of the Indian Ocean provide ideal conditions for an astonishing variety of marine life and outstanding diving potential. The Kenya coast, protected by a coral reef offers beginners the change to learn to dive before entering into the deep. Diving packages can be tailored to your requirements from any hotel we feature on the Kenya coast, the Shimoni archipelago being a prime site, with 4 islands offering a variety of marine life.
Gone fishing - An expendition
Deep Sea Fishing need not be restricted to the highly experienced. Bases such as Hemingway's - one of the world's premier fishing resorts - take delight in tutoring those that wish to experience the thrill of dining on their days catch. Fishing trips usually scheduled for a full day commence at the crack of dawn with a terrace breakfast, then transfer to an Ocean vessel stocked with lunch boxes, fresh fruits and cold drinks. Making out through the reef, there is the full swell of the ocean and a blend of currents as she throttles up heading due east in search of game. Though monitored on sonar equipment, birds and fish are the best giveaways of turbulent feeding grounds, where fish of all sizes play their role in the food chain. Daylight is from 6 am - 7 pm.